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Mission Amrit Sarovar - Jal Dharohar Sanrakshan

Hon'ble Prime Minister, as part of the commemorative celebration of the 75th anniversary of our independence, envisioned protecting traditional water bodies for ensuring water security of cities by involving youth and the community. Bearing this vision in mind, the Government of India has launched 'Mission Amrit Sarovar - Jal Dharohar Sanrakshan”.

MoHUA has identified 300+ culturally and historically significant water bodies across the country. Under the mission, 3 water bodies were assigned to Department of Civil Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi by AICTE to carry out the studies about rejuvenating and preserving traditional local water bodies to ensure water security and community development. An Institute Nodal Officer (INO) along with 15 students as interns were assigned to each water body. On successful completion, each intern will get a stipend of Rs 10,000/- and certificate by AICTE-MoHUA.

The scope of the work was broadly outlined as follows.

  • History and spatio-temporal analyses;
  • Hydrological studies, conservation of catchment areas;
  • Preparing maps of the water body and its surroundings;
  • Taking photographs that capture the essence of the water body;
  • Reimagining the areas as a vibrant public space; and
  • Action plan for rejuvenation of the water body.

As part of the mission, deliverables of the outcome of studies have to be submitted and displayed through posters & photographs on GOI portal. For wider circulation and creating awareness and feedback on the findings, theses posters & photograph are to be published on the institute portal and also to be twitted for trending through institute twitter handle.

All the three teams took the task in the right earnest from the very beginning of the project (Project duration 1 July 2022 to 5th August 2022). They collected the data/ information pertaining to the water bodies through the internet, literatures, visiting ASI office, Urban local bodies (Horticulture Department of MCD, DDA etc), interacting with the local people. Students visited several times to the water bodies to collect and do the field survey from various aspects. Each intern submitted his daily progress report online to AICTE while concerned INO submitted weekly progress report of the water body.

Limited information was available about these water bodies. Due to modern practices of water supply system, relevance of these traditional water bodies in the societal context were somehow ignored. As a result, these historical heritages didn’t get the due attention and are in pathetic condition. Spatio-temporal analysis indicates encroachment around the water bodies are very common and significant. These water bodies are either devoid of water or sink of waste dumping.

These historical heritages still have very sound potential to be preserved and rejuvenated. Rejuvenation plan and action for rejuvenating these water bodies have also been proposed. In addition, students were very appreciative of their societal concern and responsibility. This mission has also stimulated the students’ creativity in finding out the solutions of real life problems.

Team “Mission Amrit Sarovar – Jal Dharohar Sanrakshan Internship”

Department of Civil Engineering Faculty of Engineering & Technology Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi